Crochet: Basics & Beyond (DVD + Streaming)

Learn the stitches, tools, and techniques you need to get started with crochet! Join author and popular blogger Kim Werker as she provides step-by-step instruction for getting started – from selecting the right yarn and deciphering tricky yarn labels to properly holding your hook and working yarn. You’ll love Kim’s down-to-earth approach as she teaches you a basic chain stitch and demonstrates single, double, and half-double crochet and the slip stitch! Learn how to work in rows, keep your crochet on track and troubleshoot rows gone wrong. Then, learn three different ways to get started working in the round and become comfortable reading patterns! Finally, combine your new skills to create a charming granny square blanket you’ll be proud to display or give.

NOTE: If you’d like to purchase only the DVD for this class, you may do so through this link. (Please note, any class PDF materials are not on the DVD itself. You must have streaming access to download those materials associated with the class.)

Getting Started (23:53)
Meet your instructor, Kim Werker, as she introduces you to the world of crochet. Learn about yarn, hooks and other tools and start with the most basic crochet stitch: the chain stitch. Kim will offer advice for how to hold your hook and show you the way she tensions her yarn.

The Basic Stitches (30:10)
Now that you feel comfortable using a hook and creating a basic chain stitch, move on to the fundamentals of crochet: the single, half double, double and treble crochet stitches. Kim will walk you through each stitch, one at a time, and show you exactly how it is formed. Examine the anatomy of each stitch and learn to recognize and prevent common mistakes.

Working in Rows (34:12)
Build your stitches into fabric as you learn to create the foundation chain, the beginning of any piece worked in rows. Learn how to work into the chain and keep crocheting as you turn your work to create rows of beautiful textured fabric. Then, finish your first swatch as you learn to fasten off and weave in your ends.

Working in the Round (28:39)
Now that you’re comfortable working in rows, expand your crochet abilities to include round projects as well! Kim will show you how to create fabric that spirals out from the center as you learn three ways to start rounds: chain ring, expanding slip knot and magic adjustable ring. Learn to increase stitches and calculate how many you’ll need to add from one round to the next to create a flat circle.

How to Read a Pattern (15:34)
Get a crash course on pattern reading as Kim takes you through the written directions for a granny square blanket and also shows you how to read a crochet diagram. Learn common pattern abbreviations and how the stitch symbols in a diagram help you visualize your stitches. Then, Kim challenges you to make your first granny square using the pattern only!

The Granny Square (30:40)
How did that granny square turn out? Need a little more help? Don’t worry. Kim will diagram the elements of a granny square then walk you stitch by stitch through each round as you watch her square form before your eyes. Learn how to turn the corner and join each round, and how the granny square pattern builds on itself to create a relaxing item to crochet.

Rounding Out Your Knowledge (24:59)
Finish your exploration of crochet with the essential techniques that will take your stitches to the next level. Learn how to change colors in the middle of a round and at the end of a row. Discover how to measure gauge so that your projects always end up the right size and learn how simple changes in the way you make stitches can create fabric with a completely different look. Finally, learn how easy it is to decrease and witness the curvy, flowing fabric that can be created quickly and easily in crochet!

Kim Werker
Kim Werker is a writer and editor who started her career by founding the popular website CrochetMe (which, sadly, no longer exists). As an avid maker, she spends at least a few minutes every day making something, even if it’s just a few stitches or macaroni and cheese from a box. Kim has served as the editor for Interweave Crochet magazine and authored six crochet books, including “Make It Mighty Ugly: Exercises and Advice for Getting Creative Even When It Ain’t Pretty.” Visit her website, kimwerker.com, to learn more.

How will I receive my DVD class?
Your DVD will be shipped in the mail using the address you provide at checkout. Your purchase also includes access to a streaming version of the class and downloadable PDF class materials. After your purchase, you can find your streaming class and your PDF class materials by logging into your Craftsy account using the user name and password you established.

How do I access the companion materials for my DVD class?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” area, select the “Classes” content. On this page, you’ll see all classes you’ve purchased from Craftsy. Simply select the desired class from your content list, and you’ll be presented with your selected class page. From the class page you can easily view, download or print the companion class materials, which are in the “Bonus Materials” tab on the class page. You can log in any time, and download or print the companion materials as many times as you like. Companion class materials are not shipped in the mail with your DVD, and must be accessed on Craftsy.com.

How do I stream my class on Craftsy.com?
Come to Craftsy.com and log into your account using the username and password you set up when establishing your Craftsy account or purchasing your DVD. In your “My Account” content, select the desired class. Stream the video on-demand from the class page any time you like; your viewing access is unlimited. You can stream your class from any computer, tablet or mobile device with Internet access.

Do I have to purchase a Craftsy Membership to get my class?
No, you do not. Every DVD purchased on Craftsy.com includes both the physical DVD in the mail and unlimited on-demand streaming access at Craftsy.com. These benefits are yours with or without a Craftsy membership.

Are DVDs included in a Craftsy Membership?
No, they are not. DVDs can only be purchased on an individual basis and are not included in Craftsy memberships. For non-members, DVDs are a flexible way to purchase only the classes you love best. For members, DVDs are a great choice to build an at-home library you can keep forever and enjoy any time, with or without Internet access.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do ship most physical products, including DVDs, to several International destinations. In addition to the USA and Canada, we ship to Australia, Brazil, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and most Western European countries. If you live outside these countries, you can still purchase digital items including memberships, individual streaming classes, and pattern downloads.

Do your DVDs work on international players?
Yes, our DVDs should be compatible with any DVD player in use today. All our videos have been created with all current Region Codes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8). If you have trouble viewing a DVD purchased from Craftsy.com, please contact Customer Service.

What is your return policy?
We want to be sure you’re satisfied. If you have trouble playing your DVD, if the content is not correctly presented on the DVD, or you are dissatisfied with the content of your class, we will work with you. Contact Craftsy customer service via email or phone. Upon your request, and upon your return of the DVD to us, we will refund your purchase price or send you another DVD to replace a damaged or incorrect DVD, whichever is your preference. If you do receive a full refund, your streaming video class will also be removed from your Craftsy account, so on-demand video access will no longer be available to you.